Kathmandu: In a remarkable display of cricket prowess, Nepal defeated Singapore by eight wickets during a gripping match in the ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier.

The electrifying contest took place at the Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, where Singapore posted a target of 146 runs for Nepal. Nepal managed to chase down this total in just 16.3 overs, with the loss of only two wickets.

Leading Nepal to victory, opener Kushal Bhurtel played a magnificent innings, scoring a commanding 74 from 48 balls, embellished with eight fours and two sixes. Rohit Paudel remained unbeaten with a notable 35 off 24 balls, featuring two boundaries and two sixes. Nepal's opening pair, Ashif Sheikh and Bhurtel, showcased an outstanding partnership of 84 runs in 9.1 overs. Anantha Krishna and Akshay Puri claimed one wicket each for Singapore.

Opting to bat after winning the toss, Singapore managed to score 145 runs in their allotted 20 overs, at the expense of nine wickets. Singapore's opening batsman, Rohan Rangarajan, was the highest scorer with 46 runs from 30 balls, inclusive of nine boundaries and one six. Aryaveer Chaudhry contributed 37 runs from 26 balls, with five boundaries. Manpreet Singh added 24 runs, and Akshay Puri made 13.

Nepal's bowling attack displayed great skill, with Abinash Bohora leading the way, taking three wickets. Sandeep Lamichhane, Gulsan Jha, and Karan KC each secured two wickets.

Nepal is set to face Malaysia in their upcoming match as they strive to qualify for the T20 World Cup for the second time. Nepal previously participated in the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in 2014.

The top two teams from this qualifier will secure a spot in the T20 World Cup scheduled for 2024, co-organized by the United States and West Indies. In the current qualifier, Nepal competes in Group 'A,' alongside Malaysia, Singapore, and Oman, while Group 'B' features UAE, Hong Kong, Bahrain, and Kuwait.